Alonso Record, Nevada Diamondbacks, Phillie Phanatic, Pedro Theory, Pujols Hits
The Biggest Apple
Mets slugger Pete Alonso set the NL rookie home run record with his 40th bomb. The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger set the previous mark in 2017. With a month and a half left in the season, Alonso needs just two more homers to set the Mets’ single-season record, and 13 more to break Aaron Judge’s MLB rookie record. At this rate, he should pass those by the weekend.
What Happened in Vegas…
In a surprising turn, it’s been reported that the Diamondbacks discussed a move to the city of Henderson, Nevada, about 15 miles outside Vegas. Over the last few years, Las Vegas has become a hotbed of professional sports but both sides are now saying the deal is dead – or at least it was taken out back and had its legs broken.
Phoolish Philing…
The Phillies have filed a lawsuit to keep the Phanatic as its mascot. As the team tell it, they’ve been threatened by the mascot’s creators that if they don’t pay millions of dollars, the Phanatic will be declared a “free agent.” Even though he’s almost 40 years old, he would probably fetch a nice price due to his elite Wins Above Replacement Mascot (WARM).
Small Ball…
Pedro Martinez has suggested that the sharp increase in home runs around the league is due to a smaller ball. Usually when guys get older, it’s not balls getting smaller that they have to worry about.
#PujolsHits…
Albert Pujols set the MLB record for most hits by a foreign-born player. The Dominican Republic native surpassed Adrian Beltre‘s previous record of 3,166. Man, looking at Pujols hits, it’s hard to believe people thought he would stink. But early in his career is was obvious Pujols would amass hits. #PujolsHits
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